More on Yai Peng’s “Long Life” celebration. #Thailand traditions and customs with pics

17/12/2014

More on Yai Peng’s “Long Life” celebration.

The family will gather later under this tent like structure to be blessed by the monks. Gifts of merit for the monks are in the second picture.

Some pics of the monks during the religious part of the celebration. Even numbers of monks attend funerals; odd numbers for happier occasions.

A lay member starts the rites. The most senior monk then takes the microphone to continue. The other monks listen and take part later in the service.

Everyone sits on the floor facing the monks, ensuring their feet are not pointing directly at them or any Buddha image. Although only monks are supposed to sit crossed legged in the semi-lotus position, I adopt that position as I find tucking my legs to one side impossible and uncomfortable. No-one minded.